Secrets of Us A Forbidden Love Romance (Alina)

Chapter 238

Chapter 238

It takes me a while to realize I'm in Zaid's bed when I first open my eyes to the

morning

sun.

His arms are wrapped around my waist, our legs tangled together like we fell asleep like that and never wanted to separate. His chest rises and falls behind my back, his breath

warm on my neck.

My body shivers and I try to hold back the laugh that wants to bubble from my chest. I'm grinning like an idiot, though.

My heart takes on an odd beat in my chest. Maybe I don't have to leave. Maybe I don't

have to go to Florence with my aunt.

Because what if what I'm looking for is already here?

I turn slowly, careful not to wake him, and look at him. He has this crease between his brows even in sleep, like there's always something weighing on him in his thoughts. His lips are parted slightly, and I swear I could spend the rest of my day looking at him.

Memorizing his features.

I lean forward and kiss the corner of his mouth, not able to help myself. His brow twitches and my smile widens. I kiss him again.

He stirs, his eyes fluttering open, heavy with sleep. A sleepy smile curves his lips.

"Did you just kiss me?" he asks, voice rough with sleep.

I giggle, turning to lie on my stomach as I set my arms on his chest, propping my chin. "Maybe."

He smiles down at me. "Morning."

"Morning," I whisper back.

He leans in and kisses me again, unhurried. And for a few heartbeats, there's nothing but the warmth of his mouth and the way his hands find my waist beneath the sheets.

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3:04 am SnD

Chapter 238

keep catching myself smiling.

someone happy.

only a handful of times where I've felt like that since my dad and Alex passed away. But this feels like something that

the kitchen, bare feet against the hardwood, coffee brewing and music playing low. He's humming softly, and I can't stop staring at

always been beautiful

buzzes on the counter,

Italy, here we come! June 4th. I know you're still thinking about

again. Just an hour ago, I was content with the thought of staying here with Zaid. Now,

flips, twisting around itself. I stare at the screen

felt just yesterday, and the comfort I felt this morning now clouded by doubt. I

in front of me, his eyes swinging from me to my phone and

as I grab the mug. "Elena just texted

an eyebrow and takes a sip of his

for the trip. We would head out in

tightening around

falters for just a second. A flash of sadness in his eyes,

catch it.

nods softly. "That's good.

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Chapter 238

out before I even fully form them. "You could come with

is resting on the edge of the counter, and I see the way his fingers curl slightly before he inhales and turns to

inside me

hair behind my ear. His fingers linger

me I still have to face. And I'm

high I was feeling from last night crumples in

to mine. "Trust me,

year is nothing compared to the rest

my throat rising. "But what if

You're going there to grow. To find yourself. I want that for you. I want

at him,

me anymore?" I ask, quieter than I mean

eyes shine with that aching,